Match Preview: Stockport County v Barnsley

Date: 8th February 2025
Kick-Off: 12:30 PM
Venue: Edgeley Park, Stockport

League Positions:
Stockport County: 4th (50 points)
Barnsley: 10th (43 points)

Match Overview

Stockport County and Barnsley meet this Saturday in what promises to be a captivating League One clash, with both teams battling for vital points in the playoff race. The Hatters, on a superb run of form, are eager to strengthen their grip on the top four, while Barnsley aim to end their winless streak and keep their promotion hopes alive. With seven points separating the two sides, this is a match with high stakes and significant ramifications.

Current Form

Stockport County

Stockport County come into this game riding high after four consecutive league victories, including an impressive 1-0 win away at Leyton Orient last weekend. Kyle Wootton’s first goal in two months secured the three points and extended the Hatters' recent defensive resilience, with clean sheets in their last three matches. Stockport’s January transfer dealings have bolstered their squad, with Brad Hills, Sam Cosgrove, and Owen Moxon arriving late in the window to add depth and experience.

Under Dave Challinor’s leadership, Stockport have been a model of consistency, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair. Currently fourth in the table, they sit six points clear of seventh place and have their sights firmly set on securing a playoff spot.

• Last 5 Matches: DLWWWW
• Key Trend: Four straight league wins, all with clean sheets.
• Home Form: Averaging 2 Points Per Game at Edgeley Park, Stockport have scored 1.67 goals per match at home while conceding just one.

Barnsley

In contrast, Barnsley’s form has been patchy, with a four-game winless run in the league. A frustrating 0-0 draw with Burton Albion last weekend typified their recent struggles, particularly in front of goal. Despite this, the Reds remain the third-best away side in League One this season, behind only Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers. However, back-to-back away defeats have dented their momentum.

Head Coach Darrell Clarke has worked hard to keep spirits high in the dressing room, emphasising the need for a “siege mentality” to turn results around. With new loan signings Clement Rodrigues and Dexter Lembikisa joining on deadline day, there is optimism that Barnsley can inject fresh energy into their playoff push.

• Last 5 Matches: WWLLLD
• Key Trend: Winless in four, including two away defeats.
• Away Form: While strong earlier in the season, Barnsley’s recent away results have been disappointing.

Head-to-Head Record

• Barnsley Wins: 6
• Stockport Wins: 3
• Draws: 6
• Last Meeting: Barnsley 1-1 Stockport (September 2024)

The reverse fixture at Oakwell ended in a dramatic injury-time equaliser for Stockport. Barnsley will be determined to avoid another late setback this time around.

Key Insights

• Stockport County have kept clean sheets in their last three League One matches.
• Barnsley are the third-best away team in League One this season but have lost their last two matches on the road.
• Kyle Wootton ended a two-month goal drought last weekend and will be a key figure for Stockport.
• Darrell Clarke’s Barnsley are winless in four but remain just four points off fifth place.

Manager Insights

Dave Challinor (Stockport County)

Beating Leyton Orient, who hadn’t lost in months, was a massive result for us. The momentum we’ve built recently gives the players belief that we can compete with anyone in this league.

Tactical Approach: Challinor will rely on his team’s defensive organisation and ability to take advantage of set-piece opportunities, with Kyle Wootton spearheading the attack.

Darrell Clarke (Barnsley)

On Injuries:

[Neil Farrugia] has had a light training week. He’s stepping it up, so hopefully, he’s not too far away.

On Stockport:

Stockport are having a cracking season. They’ve had momentum for years now. We’re expecting a tough game, but so will they. The preparation this week has been very good, and the boys are in good spirits.

Key Challenges: Clarke emphasised the importance of winning, saying,

Draws aren’t great for us. We need to win games and keep ourselves in contention.

Team News

Stockport County

Unavailable Players: Nick Powell (injured), Sam Cosgrove (ineligible).
Key Players: Kyle Wootton, Oliver Norwood, Macauley Southam-Hales.

Predicted XI:
Hinchliffe; Knoyle, Connolly, Pye, Touray; Norwood, Bate; Southam-Hales, Collar, Olaofe; Wootton

Barnsley

Unavailable Players: Marc Roberts (suspended), Fabio Jalo (injured).
Key Players: Davis Keillor-Dunn (10 goals), Adam Phillips, Jon Russell.

Predicted XI:
Gauci; De Gevigney, Pines, Earl; O'Keefe, Phillips, Connell, Russell, Gent; Keillor-Dunn, Humphrys

Prediction Data

• BTTS Likelihood: 52%
• First Team to Score: Stockport (66%)
• Momentum: Stockport have won their last four league matches, while Barnsley are winless in four.

Analysis and Prediction

Stockport County’s confidence is sky-high, and their recent performances suggest they are well-equipped to secure another three points. Barnsley, while capable of pulling off a surprise, have struggled to convert opportunities into results in recent weeks. If Stockport’s defence holds firm and Wootton continues his scoring form, the Hatters should emerge victorious. However, Barnsley’s resilience and new additions could make this a closely contested affair.

Prediction: Stockport County 2-1 Barnsley